Newcastle United and Chelsea set to make 'important offers' for £50m La Liga star

Former Leeds United star Raphinha is reportedly set to receive offers from Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Chelsea as doubt remains over his future at Barcelona.

The Brazil international enjoyed a remarkable first season with the Catalan giants, scoring ten goals and providing 12 assists in 50 appearances in all competitions as Xavi’s side became La Liga champions for the first time since 2019.

Despite his initial success following his £50m move from Leeds, there has been constant speculation linking Raphinha with a return to the Premier League and there were widespread reports linking Newcastle with the winger during the January and summer transfer windows.

Catalan news outlet Sport have claimed the Magpies made ‘an important offer’ for the 26-year-old during the summer but revealed Raphinha did not want to leave Barca at that time and was ‘not willing to study the proposals’ - a stance that was supported by sporting director, Deco.

However, the same outlet have now reported Newcastle and Chelsea are ready to make further attempts to lure the former Rennes star away from the La Liga champions as he struggles to make a consistent impact for Xavi’s side.

Raphinha has started just five games across La Liga and the Champions League so far this season as the emergence of highly-rated youngster Lamine Yamal, a muscle injury and a two-match suspension have limited his chances of playing a more significant role.

The winger has still scored two goals and provided three assists but there is said to be a debate over what could lie ahead as he struggles for confidence at Barcelona.  Sport claim Newcastle are ‘still interested’ in a deal and suggests Chelsea will make a further attempt to land Raphinha after he rejected them to join Barcelona during the summer of 2022.